Barwick gains grant for school shop
AfterAfter two years of applying, Industrial Technology teacher Blake Barwick received a $96,000 Nebraska reVISION Action Grant on June 2, 2023. “This grant is to improve, modernize, and expand career and technical education (CTE) programs to align with Nebraska’s economic priorities and workforce demands,” said Barwick.
With this money, Barwick has purchased various machines such as a HAAS desktop mill, a CNC mill, a manual lathe, a manual vertical mill, and a laser cutter/engraver. “The point of this grant is to remove the barriers to implementing a high-quality manufacturing pathway. It will provide rural, underserved students with the equity and opportunity that is found in large schools,” said Barwick.
After two years, students who complete the program using these machines will earn dual credit through Central Community College (CCC). Harvard Public School Superintendent Michael Derr said, “This grant is a great opportunity for our school, and Barwick has put in a lot of work for this grant. I can’t wait to see his vision grow.”
Lathem Schumm (12) has been in many of Barwick’s classes. He has taken Automotive, Construction, and Woodworking. “The grant was great for the school because we needed more machines in the shop,” said Schumm. The machine Schumm is most excited to use is the manual lathe because it is a machine that shapes wood and metal by chipping off and shaving the material. Out of the many classes Schumm has taken with Barwick, he says the most useful has been Construction because of all the basic skills he learned.
Eduardo Perez (11), who has taken Construction, Metal and Fabrication, and is Barwick’s Teacher Assistant (TA), adds that his favorite shop class has been Metal and Fabrication because he practiced his welding skills. Perez is most excited to use the laser cutter/engraver because he wants to use it to make designs. “I feel it's nice that future students get to have college credit from using these machines,” said Perez. Barwick plans to open the shop to the public in an open house format once all the machines are set up. During the open house, parents and community members will be able to see the machines the students use in various classes. Barwick also plans to invite to the open house those from CCC, the Manufacturing Pathway advisory team, and the businesses who helped him purchase the machines.
Derr added that the school will be awarded anywhere from 12-20 other grants each year. Some are guaranteed funds, but some of the grants require applications, such as the grant that provides students free lunch.